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Scott Dudelson/Getty ImagesFans are sending their prayers to Geto Boy‘s Bushwick Bill, after the founding member of the seminal rap group revealed he has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
Tuesday, the veteran lyricist, born Richard Shaw, shared the news with TMZ via a video conference. According to Bill, he had been routinely testing a mass on his pancreas, which physicians had initially believed to be benign. However, in February the rapper was informed of his illness and has since been undergoing intense chemotherapy.
The 52-year-old says it’s still too early to determine how the treatment will affect his body.
While Bill has decided to go public with the information, he has yet to inform his close friends and collaborators Willie D and Scarface of his life-changing diagnosis.
“I been keeping it to myself, but I’m getting ready to tell Scarface and Willie D,” Bill explained to TMZ. “I’ve only told close family members, that’s about it, but I figured keeping it to myself is not really helping nobody.”
By disclosing his illness, Bill hopes to raise awareness and place emphasis on the importance of health.
“It’s not like I’m afraid of dying,” the “Still” rapper said. “It’s about life and living life and being there for family… I just want people to be aware so when they set dreams and goals they’re healthy to fulfill and live.”
